The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-08-17

81 hope you'll succeed in your efforts,
Miss Slocum. If | wasn't so busy I'd
let Setina come up day or two and
help you out, but you see we have the
seminary girls-at least six of them
and it keeps one kinder busy. Why,
what on earth!" Here the good old
lady had to stop in sheer amazement,
for she recognized her sun-bonnet COM
ing towards her with little body I'M
derneath.
Rose did not stop for anything, but
sailed up to Miss Patty, made a demure
ma'am, l overheard part of your con-
versation and thought I'd offer myself,
if you think could strip pie-plant or
could help you anyway" and she
dropped her white lids as though she
was frightened at her own temerity.
You don't look as if you could do
much. How much do you expect to
get week, and where did you come
FROM" queried business-like Miss
Patty.
came from over yonder some
miles, and have sick aunt and want
to earn some money. Please try me,
and if l don't suit need not stay"
Well, SEEM as how you came in
the nick of time and look kinder clip
per-like, I'll take you along. Have you
any recommends ?''
Moo, / have not, but Mrs. Dunning
here knows me. She did not expect to
see me to-day hunting place." and the
smiling eyes were turned upon the
landlords wife, and hid by the sun
bonnet, she made a grimace at the
puzzled face that was slowly taking in
the fun.
" Oh, yes" explained the good old
lady, " l do know her, but l doubt her
capabilities regarding housekeeping.
But I'd try her if l were you. You
might do worse"
" Can you come right along now? I'd
a heap rather you would, seein' as Pm
clean tuckered out now"
" Oh, yes; certainly / can. Mrs.
Dunning, left my bundle, bingham
and few other things, inside. Will
you have them sent? One reason that
came was that Cora over there used
to know me, and l heard that the girls
were going to spend part of their vaca-
ton here, and then thought I'd kill
two birds with one stone if l could
earn bit while over" Miss Patty
looked rather suspiciously at the white,
dimpled hands, and it was hard telling
what was in her thoughts as they
finally drove off. They went down into
the heart of the village, and Rose pulled
the sun-bonnet further down around
her face, murmuring that the sun
was rather warm"
Now we will have to wait for the
ten O'Clock train" said Miss Patty,
" and if you will mind the horse I'll
just drop right in the post-office and
get what | want. l expect my grand
nephew on the train, and if it happens
to come in while i'm in here you jes'
keep an eye open for long, cookbook
in chap with an immense gilt chain,
and tell him I'll be out as soon as can
get my lie and lamp-chimneys and
other stuff. Mind the horse, now"
So saying, off she went.
Rose sat very quiet for some minutes,
peeping from the depths of the bonnet.
1t was dreadful, this having to wait
when she was in for a frolic. Ten,
fifteen minutes went by, when in
the distance sounded the locomotive
whistle.
Whew' mimicked Rose, Z" a grand
nephew coming. / suppose her idea of
good-looking chap is one that can dc
all manner of hard work, and a great
gawk of fellow he is, 1 know"
Her revery was interrupted by the
stopping of the train and the rush OF
passengers getting on and off. With a
ting-a-ling, puff and snort, the great
engine steamed out again, with long
line of cars trailing after.
Rose had all she could do to manage
the restless old mare. When Doane
finally got quiet Rose looked over
towards the depot in search of the gilt
chain, that being uppermost in hel
mind. The passengers had all gone
their several ways, except two. These
were lady and gentleman.
There was cloud of dust, carriage
drove up, and amid shower of greet
ings the lady was helped in and imme
diately driven off. Rose came to the
conclusion that the tall gentleman mus
be the nephew aforesaid, who, espyinG
Miss Patty's turnout, came over.
excuse me, madam, but | believe
this is Miss Patty Slocum's rig, is i
not? And did she send you down fo
me ?"
" Pm in for it now," thought Rose
che thinks Pm the hired girl, M
doubt; but I'll carry it through or die
for the girls would make a laughing
. stock of me-"
Aloud she said: " You can Jump il
if you like; Miss Slocum will be GU
presently. She is in the post-office, ant
L expect her every minute now"
Contrary to her eXpections, he seated
himself beside her, and with polit,
"Allow me he took the reins from
her hands.
Miss Patty's watchful eyes had takel
|, in all that occurred outside, and she nov
appeared at the open door.
" I'll be there in just three minutes
t Tom; just make yourself agreeable t.
: the young miss. She's going to help m
bit for a week or So"
I "I'll wait three hours, aunty, if 20,
: like; Pm not at all in hurry" an,
9 the brown eyes were as full of mischie
a as those of Rose. Roses were as blu
A as the sky, though they might hav
: been green or yellow for all the glimps
Y Tom could get of them.
t He was mentally matchmaking sun
r bonnets of all descriptions and won
o dering if the man who invented ther
| lanI ha